Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
The first thing you need to remember is that note taking is a SKILL;
like most skills it requires practice and effort to improve. The good
news is once developed, note taking skills will be used in all
aspects of life.
Why do we take notes?
• To summarize
• To highlight important information
• Most importantly, to review and study from later
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Help! What do I write down?
Some hints:
Lecture Cues: Write this down!
 Pay attention to what your instructor
says. Often they will tell you what the
key ideas are.
 Information on the black board or
PowerPoint presentations.
 Use your syllabus to help you decipher
important information.
 Write down questions you have about
things you don’t understand.
 Many teachers end the lecture with a
quick wrap up/summary of the key
points…write these down!
 Repeated words/phrases.
 Information that is said very slowly, as if
to be written down verbatim.
 Information that is said with emphasis
or loudly.
 Listen for words such as: especially,
therefore, consequently, most
significant, most important, however…
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Effective Note Taking Strategies
Unfortunately, there is no “sure cure” for note taking. There is not one method that
will work for every student in every class. Try different methods and create one that
works for you!
Using Technology:
•
Using a laptop/netbook/iPad/tablet may be quicker than writing.
•
If you are using technology –learn the shortcuts! Don’t waste time formatting
when you should be getting the information down!
•
Stay off social media and avoid texting. Be present.
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Get Messy!
Skeleton Prose
Highlight, underline and make
notes on your notes. Don’t be
afraid to “mess them up”.
Notes are written in a sequence of
numbered points/paragraphs with
headings. This method is similar
to an essay plan/outline.
Screen Shots
Bulleted Points
It is important to note that simply
taking the picture is NOT a note! It is
essential that you review the
photo(s) and make notes on them!
Use bullets and point-form style to
keep track of information. Use
subheadings while writing or add in
subheadings during review.
Note Taking Strategies
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Helpful Hints:
•
Use abbreviations (b/c- because, w/o- without, w/-with, etc)
•
Paraphrase – It is easier to study from your own ideas than your teachers’!
•
Stay ahead of reading assignments. This will help you understand lectures
better.
•
Underline or star key points.
•
Record lectures if you are having trouble keeping up. (Remember to ask
permission from the instructor).
•
Know the type of test you will be taking. This will allow you to tailor your notes
to fit this style.
Dual Credit Tool Kit: Note Taking
Cornell Note Taking Template
Topic of Study:
______________________________
Questions/Key Words
Notes on Information
New Vocabulary
Summary (1-2 Sentences)